Best frenemies

April 25, 2011 12:00 AM

Photo: Smiley N. Pool/Chronicle

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Somewhere outside the traditional spectrum of sports enemies, from the hated antagonists to the respected adversaries to the "why bothers," exists a special class: the friends-turned-enemies.
That's the group that the Cardinals’ Lance Berkman will represent when he sets foot in Minute Maid Park for the first time as a visiting player.

He will just be the latest in an era when such returns are normally mundane. The number fluctuates with call-ups and injuries but because of free agency, waivers, releases and trades, roughly 21 teams' active rosters contain at least one former Astro or Astros prospect. So even within the large crop of friends-turned-enemies, there is a spectrum.

The last notable return to Minute Maid Park that featured this level of anticipation was that of Carlos Beltran in 2005, who spurned the Astros' offer to sign a seven-year, $119 million contract. He was jeered the entire game and the entire series, both while at the plate and while in the field.

Berkman, who left via the trade, which is a key distinction and perhaps the key distinction in how returning players are received, will almost surely be welcomed warmly at the ballpark he called home since it opened in 2000. His replica jersey - Astros version, not Cardinals - could be the most visible at the ballpark, not that it isn't close some nights when the Cardinals aren't in town. And expect a loving round of cheers when his name is first announced.

It won't be the first such warm welcome, but it's not like Houston always takes back her former friends with open arms. Here are some of the notable returns, either for their reception or for the player’s or coach's reaction. less

Somewhere outside the traditional spectrum of sports enemies, from the hated antagonists to the respected adversaries to the "why bothers," exists a special class: the friends-turned-enemies.
That's the group ... more